Image forming apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus includes an operation unit receiving an instruction, and a connecting unit to which a wireless communication unit is detachably attached. The connecting unit is arranged at a bottom surface of a recessed portion formed on a back surface. The recessed portion has such a depth d that an indicator unit indicating a communicating state of a wireless communication unit, arranged on a surface of the wireless communication unit attached to the connecting unit, protrudes from the recessed portion. Thus, the possibility that a USB wireless LAN adaptor is damaged by external force or is erroneously pulled out can be reduced, the communicating state can easily be recognized visually, and thus, the USB wireless LAN adaptor can be used safely.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a)on Patent Application Nos. 2011-263218 and 2012-054233 filed in Japan onDec. 1, 2011 and Mar. 12, 2012, respectively, the entire contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a USB(Universal Serial Bus) port and, more specifically, to an image formingapparatus preventing any damage to or erroneous disconnection of a USBwireless LAN adaptor connected thereto and allowing easy visualconfirmation of state of communication of the USB wireless LAN adaptor.

Description of the Background Art

As one type of image processing apparatuses as electronic equipment, animage forming apparatus (typically a copy machine) for forming an imageon a sheet of recording paper has been introduced to many places ofbusiness (companies and offices). In such a place of business, it is acommon practice to have an image forming apparatus having a printerfunction and copy function connected to a network and to share theapparatus by a plurality of users. An MFP (MultiFunction Peripheral) asone type of such image forming apparatuses has a plurality of basicoperational modes including a copy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafterfacsimile will be also denoted as FAX), a network compatible printermode and a scanner mode.

As an interface for connection to a network, the image forming apparatushas, for example, an NIC (Network Interface Card). NIC has a terminal towhich a communication cable such as a UTP (Unshielded Twist Pair) cableis connected. Thus, the image forming apparatus is connected to anetwork. When connected to the network, the image forming apparatus canrealize the function of receiving and printing image data from aterminal such as a PC connected to the network, the function oftransmitting image data obtained by scanning a document attached to anelectronic mail, and the function of FTP-transferring image data to acomputer server or the like.

Recently, an environment favorable for wireless network has beendeveloped, since it eliminates the necessity of wiring and enables easyinstallation of equipment. By way of example, Japanese PatentLaying-Open No. 2008-193597 (hereinafter referred to as '597 Reference)discloses a note type personal computer (PC) allowing attachment of awireless LAN card for PC on its side surface. Japanese PatentLaying-Open No. 2000-174527 (hereinafter referred to as '527 Reference)discloses a mobile PC having a flexible antenna for wirelesscommunication arranged at an upper left portion of a display screen.

As a device for wireless connection, a small USB adaptor for wirelessLAN in accordance with international standard specification such asIEEE802.11 series (hereinafter referred to as USB wireless LAN adaptor)has come to be widely used. A PC or other device having the USB wirelessLAN adaptor attached thereto is connectable to a router or to an accesspoint using radio wave in a frequency band of, for example, 2.4 GHz.Further, mutual connectivity between different manufacturers of wirelessLAN devices has come to be certified through Wi-Fi, promoting broaderuse of wireless network connections.

A USB port of a PC or the like is used for connecting various peripheraldevices in addition to the wireless LAN adaptor. A USB memory is widelyused as a peripheral device allowing USB connection. A USB memory haslarge capacity, small size and light weight and hence it is highlyportable and, in addition, its handling is easy. Therefore, it is usedfor moving data of large size such as image data to another device.

An image forming apparatus provided with one or more USB ports has beenknown. In an image forming apparatus having a plurality of USB ports, aUSB wireless LAN adaptor is connected to one USB port, so that theapparatus is connected to a network in wireless manner. It is possiblefor the user to insert a UBS memory to another USB port of the imageforming apparatus. The user can input image data to be printed stored inthe USB memory to the image forming apparatus, or make a scanneddocument data stored in the USB memory to be moved to another device.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2009-217480 (hereinafter referred to as'480 Reference) discloses a system including a USB memory with USBcommunication interface, having a radio communication function,connected to a PC. When the USB memory with USB communication interfaceis inserted to the PC, a printer driver and a monitoring tool areinstalled to the PC in accordance with introduction setting informationstored in the USB memory. When a print request is issued by the PC,image data formed by the printer driver is once stored in a storage areaof the USB memory with USB communication interface, and thereafter,transmitted in wireless manner to the USB communication interfaceprovided on a printer.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2010-191165 (hereinafter Referred to as'165 Reference) discloses an image forming apparatus having anelectrical component box containing a circuit board for processingsignals from wireless LAN, telephone line and a computer, arranged on aside opposite to an operation unit, with an image forming unitpositioned in-between. One surface of the electrical component boxserves as an interface surface, on which connectors for connection toLAN, USB and telephone line, or connectors for inserting memory cardsuch as an SD card and CF card are arranged. On the left side surface ofimage forming apparatus, there is a space X, which is continuous to thefront surface, to facilitate connection to the connector or connectorson the interface surface from the front side. Therefore, the LANterminal and the like connected to the interface surface can be visuallyrecognized through the space X, from the front side of image formingapparatus.

When the USB wireless LAN adaptor is connected to a USB port on thefront surface of image forming apparatus, the USB wireless LAN adaptorcan easily be pulled out. Therefore, it is possible that the usererroneously pulls out the USB wireless LAN adaptor. In that case,communication will be disconnected. Further, since the user operates theimage forming apparatus while standing in front of the image formingapparatus, it is possible that the user's body touches or bumps againstthe USB wireless LAN adaptor and damages the USB wireless LAN adaptor.Further, it is also possible that a user or other person may touch theUSB wireless LAN adaptor and damages the USB wireless LAN adaptor whenhe/she passes in front of the image forming apparatus. The trouble isthat, in the conventional image forming apparatus, a USB device such asthe USB wireless LAN adaptor is connected to a USB port from whichanyone can easily pull out the inserted USB device, and the device isused in such a state, as described above. This problem cannot be solvedby any of '597, '527, '480 and '165 References described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide an image formingapparatus that can reduce possibility of any damage by an external forceto a USB wireless LAN adaptor connected thereto and the possibility oferroneous removal of the adaptor, and that allows visual confirmation ofstate of communication of the USB wireless LAN adaptor.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an imageforming apparatus, including an operation unit receiving an instruction,an image forming unit forming an image on a sheet of recording paperbased on a data signal from an external device, and a connecting unit towhich a wireless communication unit can detachably be attached, whereinthe connecting unit is arranged at a bottom surface of a recessedportion formed at a back surface opposite to a front surface on whichthe operation unit is arranged, of the image forming apparatus; and therecessed portion has such a depth that an indicator unit indicating atleast one of a connected state and a communicating state of the wirelesscommunication unit, arranged on a surface of the wireless communicationunit attached to the connecting unit, protrudes from the recessedportion.

Preferably, the bottom surface of the recessed portion is parallel tothe back surface and vertical to the surface of the wirelesscommunication unit, connected to the connecting unit, on which theindicator unit is arranged.

More preferably, the connecting unit is arranged such that the indicatorunit of the wireless communication unit when attached is visuallyrecognizable from the side where the recessed portion is arranged.

More preferably, the connecting unit is a USB socket.

Preferably, the indicator unit indicates in different manners acommunicating state in which the wireless communication unit iscommunicating and a state in which the wireless communication is notcommunicating but usable.

More preferably, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of theindicator units, and each of the plurality of indicator units providesmutually different indications in the communicating state of thewireless communication unit.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an imageforming apparatus, including: an operation unit receiving aninstruction; a first connecting unit arranged on a front surface wherethe operation unit is arranged; and a second connecting unit arranged ona back surface opposite to the front surface; wherein the secondconnecting unit is arranged at a position lower than the firstconnecting unit; and a wireless communication unit can be attached tothe second connecting unit.

Preferably, the first and second connecting units are arranged onopposite sides with respect to the center of the image forming apparatuswhen viewed from the front surface.

More preferably, the second connecting unit is arranged in a recessedportion formed on the back surface; and the first connecting unit isarranged on a flat surface of the front surface.

More preferably, the first and second connecting units are sockets eachhaving a rectangular opening to which a plug as a connecting unit to anexternal device of the wireless communication unit is inserted; and thefirst and second connecting units are arranged such that longer sides ofrespective rectangular openings extend in directions different from eachother.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides an imageforming apparatus, including: a flexible cable having one endconnectable to a wireless communication unit; and a connecting unit towhich the other end of the flexible cable is connected.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes an operationunit receiving an instruction; wherein the connecting unit is arrangedon a back surface opposite to a front surface on which the operationunit is arranged.

More preferably, the flexible cable is kept in a bent shape with one endconnected to the wireless communication unit and the other end connectedto the connecting unit.

According to the present invention, the wireless communication unit canbe attached to a recessed portion formed on a back surface, notreachable by the user operating the image forming apparatus. Therefore,the possibility that the attached wireless communication unit iserroneously pulled out, or the possibility of any damage to the unit canbe reduced. Therefore, the wireless communication unit can be usedsafely. Further, when the wireless communication unit having anindicator unit indicating the state of communication is attached, theindicator unit protrudes from the recessed portion and, therefore, thestate of communication can easily be recognized visually.

According to the present invention, the connecting unit on the backsurface is positioned lower in height than the connecting unit providedon a flat portion on the front surface. Therefore, the possibility thatthe attached wireless communication unit is erroneously pulled out, orthe possibility of any damage to the unit connected to the connectingunit on the back surface can be reduced. Therefore, the wirelesscommunication unit can be used safely. When the connecting unit on theback surface to which the wireless communication unit is connected isprovided as a USB socket arranged with its longer side extendingvertically, load bearing characteristic of the connecting unit can beenhanced, and safety of using the wireless communication unit canfurther be improved. When the wireless communication unit having anindicator unit indicating the state of communication is attached, thestate of communication can easily be recognized visually.

According to the present invention, the wireless communication unit isconnected by means of a flexible cable provided at the connecting uniton the back surface. Therefore, the possibility that the wirelesscommunication unit is erroneously pulled out, or the possibility of anydamage to the unit can be reduced. Therefore, the wireless communicationunit can be used safely. Further, when the wireless communication unithaving an indicator unit indicating the state of communication isattached, the state of bending of the flexible cable may be changed, toenable easy visual recognition of the state of communication.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the recessed portionformed on the back surface of the image forming apparatus in accordancewith the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the imageforming apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a USB wireless LAN adaptor attachedto the image forming apparatus in accordance with the first embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example, different from the oneshown in FIG. 2, of the recessed portion formed on the back surface ofthe image forming apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of the USB wireless LANadaptor.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the USB wireless LAN adaptor of FIG. 6attached to the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a USB socket.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of theimage forming apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a USB wireless LAN adaptor and a USBmemory attached to the image forming apparatus in accordance with asecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a USB wireless LAN adaptor and a USBmemory attached to the image forming apparatus in accordance with asecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing the directions of arranging a front sideUSB socket and a back side USB socket of the image forming apparatus inaccordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the USB wireless LAN adaptor and the USBmemory attached to the image forming apparatus in accordance with thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the recessed portionformed on the back surface of the image forming apparatus in accordancewith the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example, different from the oneshown in FIG. 15, of the recessed portion formed on the back surface ofthe image forming apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view showing the directions, different from those ofFIG. 13, of arranging the front side USB socket and the back side USBsocket of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus inaccordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of theimage forming apparatus in accordance with the third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a USB wireless LAN adaptor and aflexible cable attached to the image forming apparatus in accordancewith the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the flexible cable bent downward.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an example, different from the oneshown in FIG. 20, of the recessed portion formed on the back surface ofthe image forming apparatus in accordance with the third embodiment ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by thesame reference characters. Their names and functions are also the same.Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

First Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an image forming apparatus 100 in accordancewith a first embodiment of the present invention forms a multi-coloredor monochrome image on a prescribed sheet of recording paper, inaccordance with image data formed by reading a document. Image formingapparatus 100 consists of an apparatus main body 110 and an automaticdocument feeder 120.

An image reading unit 140 is arranged at an upper (inner) portion ofapparatus main body 110. Image reading unit 140 scans a document fed byautomatic document feeder 120, and produces image data. At an upperportion of apparatus main body 110, an operation unit 160 is arranged.Image forming apparatus 100 executes a process in accordance with aninstruction input through operation unit 160. At a lower portion ofapparatus main body 110, a paper feed unit 156 holding sheets ofrecording paper for forming images is arranged. Image forming apparatus100 draws out a sheet of recording paper from paper feed unit 156, formsan image on a surface of the sheet, and discharges the sheet ofrecording paper on which the image is formed to an inner paper dischargetray 170.

On a back surface 112 of apparatus main body 110, a USB socket 184 isprovided. Here, the “back surface” refers to a surface opposite to the“front surface,” on which operation unit 160 is arranged (the surface towhich the user faces when operating operation unit 160) of image formingapparatus 100. Specifically, USB socket 184 is arranged at a bottomsurface 202 of a recessed portion 200 formed at a corner formed by aleft side surface (left side surface when image forming apparatus 100 isviewed from the front side) 114 and the back surface 112. Bottom surface202 is parallel to back surface 112 and spaced apart by a distance(depth) d from back surface 112. USB socket 184 to which a plug of a USBdevice is inserted has a rectangular shape, and USB socket 184 isarranged with its longer side extending in the vertical direction(direction of gravitational force). Though not shown, another socket(such as a connector for connecting a communication cable) may bearranged on the bottom surface. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a USB device that canbe inserted to USB socket 184 is shown in dotted lines.

Referring to FIG. 3, image forming apparatus 100 includes: a controlunit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) 130for overall control of image forming apparatus 100; an ROM (Read OnlyMemory) 132; an RAM (Random Access Memory) 134; an HDD (Hard Disk Drive)136; and a bus 142. ROM 132 is a non-volatile storage device thatretains data even when power is turned off. ROM 132 stores programs anddata necessary for controlling operations of image forming apparatus100. RAM 134 is a volatile storage device. HDD 136 is a non-volatilestorage device.

CPU 130, ROM 132, RAM 134 and HDD 136 are connected to bus 142. Data(including control information) is exchanged between each of thesecomponents through bus 142. CPU 130 reads a program from ROM 132 to RAM134 through bus 142, and executes the program, using a part of RAM 134as a work area. Specifically, CPU 130 controls various units andcomponents forming image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with theprogram stored in ROM 132, and realizes various functions of imageforming apparatus 100.

Image forming apparatus 100 includes, in addition to automatic documentfeeder 120, image reading unit 140, paper feed unit 156, operation unit160, inner paper discharge tray 170 and USB socket 184 described above,an image forming unit 150, an image processing unit 152, an image memory154, a USB host controller 180 and a USB hub 182. These components(except for USB hub 182) are also connected to bus 142. Similar to acommon image forming apparatus, image forming apparatus 100 may alsoinclude an NIC for connecting to a network using a communication cableas well as a FAX communication modem.

Operation unit 160 receives inputs such as an instruction by the user toimage forming apparatus 100. Operation unit 160 includes an operationpanel 162 and an operation key portion (area other than operation panel162 of operation unit 160). The operation panel 162 includes a displaypanel formed, for example, by a liquid crystal panel, and a touch-panelarranged on the display panel, allowing detection of a touched position.In order to operate image forming apparatus 100, soft keys are displayedon the display panel, and on the operation key portion, hard keys arearranged. CPU 130 monitors user operation of these keys. The user caninput an instruction of image formation, setting of conditions for imageformation and the like to image forming apparatus 100, by pressing ortouching these keys. Selection of a key displayed on the display panelis done by touching the corresponding portion of the touch-panelsuperposed on the display panel.

When the user operates operation unit 160 and instructs image formation,document is read by image reading unit 140 and the image data generatedfrom the read document is temporarily stored in image memory 154. Imageprocessing unit 152 executes various image processing operations on theimage data stored in image memory 154. The image data is stored in HDD136 as needed.

Paper feed unit 156 includes paper feed cassettes and holds sheets ofrecording paper for image formation. Image forming unit 150 includes aphotoreceptor drum, a charger, an optical scanning device, a developer,a transfer roller and a fixing unit. Image forming unit 150 forms imagedata read from image memory 154 or from HDD 136 on a sheet of recordingpaper fed from paper feed unit 156.

USB host controller 180, USB hub 182 and USB socket 184 are connected ina known form of USB connection (multi-star topology). USB hostcontroller 180 is also a highest level root hub. A known series A plugis connected to USB socket 184.

As shown in FIG. 4, when USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 is attached to USBsocket 184 of image forming apparatus 100, CPU 130 controls USB hostcontroller 180 and obtains necessary information (USB descriptor) fromUSB wireless LAN adaptor 190. CPU 130 loads a necessary device driverbased on the obtained information. Specifically, CPU 130 reads thecorresponding device driver from HDD 136 to RAM 134, and thereby setsUSB wireless LAN adaptor 190 to a usable state. The device driver is alow level software program necessary for an OS (Operating System) tocontrol hardware. Communication for obtaining prescribed informationfrom USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 is executed in accordance with a knownUSB standard. Thus, image forming apparatus 100 becomes connectable to anetwork through USB wireless LAN adaptor 190.

For image forming apparatus 100 to actually access a network by wirelesscommunication through USB wireless LAN adaptor 190, it is necessary toconnect to a prescribed connection destination (a router, an accesspoint or the like). It is possible for the user (including anadministrator, a service person and the like) to designate theconnection destination by directly inputting an IP address of thedestination through operation unit 160. Alternatively, image formingapparatus 100 may automatically detect connectable destinations anddisplay the detected destinations in the form of a list on operationpanel 162, and the user may select one from the list.

As USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 attains to the usable state, it becomespossible for image forming apparatus 100 to realize the function ofreceiving and printing image data from an external terminal such as anexternal PC, the function of transmitting image data obtained byscanning a document attached to an electronic mail, and the function ofFTP-transferring image data to a computer server or the like. USBwireless LAN adaptor 190 is attached not on the front surface on whichoperation unit 160 is arranged but to recessed portion 200 of backsurface 112, to which the user's hand operating image forming apparatus100 does not reach. Therefore, possibility of the user erroneouslypulling out the adaptor is very low. Further, typically, image formingapparatus 100 is placed with its back surface positioned close to a wallor the like, and the users do not pass behind back surface 112.Therefore, possibility of any damage to USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 isvery low. Thus, USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 can be used safely.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, recessed portion 200 is formed atthe corner formed by back surface 112 and left side surface 114.Therefore, the user can easily confirm, visually, the state ofattachment of USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 to USB socket 184. The sidesurface of USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 can also be visually recognizedeasily. Therefore, if an indicator unit (LED or the like) indicating theconnected state and/or communicating state is arranged on the sidesurface of USB wireless LAN adaptor 190, the user can visually recognizethe state of communication easily. Here, the connected state means astate that USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 is attached to USB socket 184and the device driver is loaded, so that USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 isusable. The communicating state means that USB wireless LAN adaptor 190is in the usable state and USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 is communicatingwith an external device in wireless manner.

The position where the recessed portion is formed is not limited to thecorner formed by back surface 112 and left side surface 114. Therecessed portion may be formed on at least one of the left sideperipheral edge portion and the right side peripheral edge portion ofback surface 112. The “left side peripheral edge portion” of backsurface 112 means the corner formed by back surface 112 and left sidesurface 114 as well as a back surface portion near the left side surface114. The “right side peripheral edge portion” of back surface 112 meansthe corner formed by back surface 112 and right side surface as well asa back surface portion near the right side surface. By way of example,as shown in FIG. 5, USB socket 184 may be arranged in a recessed portion204 formed on back surface 112 near the left side surface 114. In FIG.5, left side surface 114 forms a sidewall of recessed portion 204 and,therefore, different from FIGS. 2 and 4, USB socket 184 cannot directlybe recognized visually from the left side. If a USB wireless LAN adaptor194 having an indicator unit 192 indicating the connected state and thecommunicating state provided on a side surface such as shown in FIG. 6is used, for example, the indicator unit 192 in the communicating statecan easily be visually recognized when USB wireless LAN adaptor 194 isattached, by appropriately designing the depth d of recessed portion204.

On a surface of USB wireless LAN adaptor 194, a design 220 indicatingthat it is a communication device is provided. Design 220 may be formedby molding (injection molding) or printing (silkscreen printing or thelike). A sticker having design 220 printed thereon may be attached tothe surface of USB wireless LAN adaptor 194. At the center of design220, a segment representing an antenna is placed, and on both sidesthereof, a plurality of arcs representing radio waves are arranged. Nearthe central portion of two arcs arranged close to the end portionopposite to USB plug 196 among the arcs, LEDs 198 and 199 are arranged.If design 220 is formed with protrusions and indents by molding, thedesign also serves to prevent slippage. Further, by providing a designwith protrusions and indents only on one surface of USB wireless LANadaptor 194, the user can easily know from the touch of his/her hand theaccurate direction of inserting USB wireless LAN adaptor 194 to USBsocket 184.

LEDs 198 and 199 indicate the connected state or communicating state ofUSB wireless LAN adaptor 194 by lighting or flickering. By way ofexample, in a standby state (not communicating) in which USB wirelessLAN adaptor 194 is usable, LEDs 198 and 199 are both lit on. When USBwireless LAN adaptor 194 is communicating, LEDs 198 and 199 bothflicker. Here, the rate of flickering of LED 198 is faster (the periodof flickering is shorter) than that of LED 199. Thus, visual recognitionof communicating state is further facilitated.

The indicator unit indicating the connected state and/or communicatingstate may be implemented by a light emitting device other than LEDs.Notice of the state by the indicator unit is not limited to notice bylighting or flickering, and it may be given using, for example,different colors.

Depth d is about 20 mm to about 35 mm. The dimension of USB wireless LANadaptor 194 shown in FIG. 6 is, by way of example, as follows: bodylength L is about 60 mm, height H is about 20 mm, thickness is about 10mm, L1 is about 40 mm and L2 is about 50 mm. If the depth d is in therange mentioned above, indicator unit 192 protrudes from the recessedportion.

If USB wireless LAN adaptor 194 having indicator unit 192 for indicatingthe communicating state provided only on one side is used, the directionof USB socket 184 should preferably be determined in accordance with thedirection of the plug of USB wireless LAN adaptor 194 and the positionof recessed portion such that indicator unit 192 of USB wireless LANadaptor 194 when attached to USB socket 184 can be visually recognizedeasily. The reason for this is as follows. USB socket 184 has such ashape as shown in FIG. 8, and if the arrangement of USB socket 184 isdetermined, the direction in which a USB plug is inserted is determineduniquely. Inside a case 230 of USB socket 184, a substrate 232 isplaced, and four terminals (a power supply terminal, a ground terminal,a + Data terminal and a − Data terminal) 234 are arranged on one surfaceof substrate 232.

If the recessed portion is formed at the left peripheral edge portion ofback surface 112, it is preferred that the direction of USB socket 184is determined such that indicator unit 192 of USB wireless LAN adaptor194 can be visually recognized from the side of left side surface 114 ofthe image forming apparatus. If the recessed portion is formed at theright peripheral edge portion of back surface 112, it is preferred thatthe direction of USB socket 184 is determined such that indicator unit192 of USB wireless LAN adaptor 194 can be visually recognized from theside of right side surface of the image forming apparatus.

Second Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an image forming apparatus 102 inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention forms amulti-colored or monochrome image on a prescribed sheet of recordingpaper in accordance with image data formed by reading a document. Imageforming apparatus 102 consists of an apparatus main body 110 and anautomatic document feeder 120.

Apparatus main body 110 and automatic document feeder 120 are configuredin the similar manner as in the first embodiment, and have similarfunctions. Image forming apparatus 102 of the second embodiment differsfrom image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the first embodimentin that it additionally has a USB socket on the front surface ofapparatus main body 110. Similar to USB socket 184 arranged on the backsurface (hereinafter also simply referred to as “back side USB socket”),USB socket 186 provided on the front surface (hereinafter also referredto as “front side USB socket”) is connected to USB hub 182. Both backside USB socket 184 and front side USB socket 186 are sockets to which aknown series A plug is connected.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show image forming apparatus 102 having a USB memory 240attached to front side USB socket 186 and USB wireless LAN adaptor 190attached to back side USB socket 184. When USB wireless LAN adaptor 190is attached to back side USB socket 184 of image forming apparatus 102,as in the first embodiment, CPU 130 controls USB host controller 180 andobtains necessary information (USB descriptor) from USB wireless LANadaptor 190. Based on the obtained information, CPU 130 loads anecessary device driver, so that USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 is set toa usable state. Communication for obtaining prescribed information fromUSB wireless LAN adaptor 190 is executed in accordance with known USBstandard. Thus, image forming apparatus 102 becomes connectable to anetwork through USB wireless LAN adaptor 190.

For image forming apparatus 102 to actually access a network by wirelesscommunication through USB wireless LAN adaptor 190, it is necessary toconnect to a prescribed connection destination (a router, an accesspoint or the like). It is possible for the user (including anadministrator, a service person and the like) to designate theconnection destination by directly inputting an IP address of thedestination through operation unit 160. Alternatively, image formingapparatus 102 may automatically detect connectable destinations anddisplay the detected destinations in the form of a list on operationpanel 162, and the user may select one from the list.

By USB wireless LAN adaptor 190, it becomes possible for image formingapparatus 102 to realize the function of receiving and printing imagedata from an external terminal such as an external PC, the function oftransmitting image data obtained by scanning a document attached to anelectronic mail, and the function of FTP-transferring image data to acomputer server or the like.

When USB memory 240 is attached to front side USB socket 186, CPU 130controls USB host controller 180 and obtains necessary information fromUSB memory 240 and loads a necessary device driver, so that USB memory240 is set to a usable state. Thus, it becomes possible for imageforming apparatus 102 to access USB memory 240. As access to USB memory240 becomes possible, it becomes possible for image forming apparatus102 to realize the function of reading and printing or FAX-transmittingimage data stored in USB memory 240, and a function of storing imagedata obtained by scanning a document or image data stored in HDD 136 toUSB memory 240.

As shown in FIG. 11 (left side view), the height h1 of back side USBsocket 184 from the floor surface 250 is lower than the height h2 offront side USB socket 186 from the floor surface 250 (h1<h2). Since backside USB socket 184 is arranged at a position difficult for the user tooperate, the possibility that USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 attached toback side USB socket 184 is erroneously pulled out or damaged is furtherdecreased. On the other hand, front side USB socket 186 is arranged at aposition easy to operate for the user operating operation unit 160.Therefore, the user can easily attach/detach USB memory 240 while he/sheis standing in front of operation unit 160.

As shown in FIG. 12 (plan view), back side USB socket 184 and front sideUSB socket 186 are arranged at diagonal positions. Specifically, backside USB socket 184 is arranged near left side surface 114, and frontside USB socket 186 is arranged near a right side surface 116.

With this arrangement, USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 attached to backside USB socket 184 is away from the dominant hand of a right-handeduser. Therefore, the possibility that USB wireless LAN adaptor 190attached to back side USB socket 184 is erroneously pulled out ordamaged is further decreased. On the other hand, the USB memory attachedto front side USB socket 186 is positioned near the dominant hand of aright-handed user. Therefore, the right-handed user can more easilyattach/detach the USB memory while he/she is standing in front ofoperation unit 160.

Referring to FIG. 13, in image forming apparatus 102, front side USBsocket 186 is arranged with a longer side of rectangle arranged alongthe horizontal direction (direction perpendicular to the direction ofgravitational force). On the other hand, back side USB socket 184 isarranged with a longer side of rectangle arranged along the verticaldirection (direction of gravitational force). Since back side USB socket184 and front side USB socket 186 are arranged in different directions,it becomes easier to distinguish USB devices to be connected from eachother, and the possibility of erroneously attaching USB wireless LANadaptor 190 to front side USB socket 186 can be reduced. Further, bysuch an arrangement, load bearing characteristic of back side USB socket184 becomes higher than that of front side USB socket 186. Therefore,USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 can be used with higher safety. Further, ifUSB wireless LAN adaptor 194 having indicator unit 192 for indicatingthe communicating state as shown in FIG. 6 is attached, thecommunicating state can be visually recognized easily.

Back side USB socket 184 and front side USB socket 186 may be arrangedat diagonal positions as shown in FIG. 14. Specifically, back side USBsocket 184 may be arranged near the right side surface 116 and frontside USB socket 186 may be arranged near the left side surface 114. Withthis arrangement, USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 attached to back side USBsocket 184 is away from the dominant hand of a left-handed user.Therefore, the possibility that USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 attached toback side USB socket 184 is erroneously pulled out or damaged is furtherdecreased. On the other hand, the USB memory attached to front side USBsocket 186 is positioned near the dominant hand of a left-handed user.Therefore, the left-handed user can more easily attach/detach the USBmemory while he/she is standing in front of operation unit 160.

Back side USB socket 184 may be arranged at a bottom surface 202 ofrecessed portion 200 formed at a corner formed by back surface 112 andleft side surface 114, as shown in FIG. 15. The position where therecessed portion is formed is not limited to the corner formed by backsurface 112 and left side surface 114. The recessed portion may beformed on at least one of the left side peripheral edge portion and theright side peripheral edge portion of back surface 112. The “left sideperipheral edge portion” of back surface 112 means the corner formed byback surface 112 and left side surface 114 as well as a back surfaceportion near the left side surface 114. The “right side peripheral edgeportion” of back surface 112 means the corner formed by back surface 112and right side surface 116 as well as a back surface portion near theright side surface 116. By way of example, back side USB socket 184 maybe arranged in recessed portion 204 formed on back surface 112 near leftside surface 114. In FIG. 16, left side surface 114 forms a sidewall ofrecessed portion 204.

By arranging back side USB socket 184 in a recess as described above,the possibility that USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 is erroneously pulledout by the user or damaged can further be decreased. On the other hand,USB memory 240 attached to front side USB socket 186 is arranged on aflat portion of the front surface and, therefore, it is possible for theuser to easily attach/detach USB memory 240 while he/she is standing infront of operation unit 160.

Orientations of front side USB socket 186 and back side USB socket 184are not limited to those shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 17, in imageforming apparatus 102, front side USB socket 186 may be arranged withthe longer side of rectangle extending along the vertical direction(direction of gravitational force) and back side USB socket 184 may bearranged with the longer side of rectangle extending along thehorizontal direction (direction perpendicular to the direction ofgravitational force). In this case also, since back side USB socket 184and front side USB socket 186 are arranged in different directions, itbecomes easier to distinguish USB devices to be connected from eachother, and the possibility of erroneously attaching USB wireless LANadaptor 190 to front side USB socket 186 can be reduced.

Third Embodiment

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, an image forming apparatus 104 inaccordance with a third embodiment of the present invention forms amulti-colored or monochrome image on a prescribed sheet of recordingpaper in accordance with image data formed by reading a document. Imageforming apparatus 104 consists of an apparatus main body 110 and anautomatic document feeder 120.

Apparatus main body 110 and automatic document feeder 120 are configuredin the similar manner as in the first embodiment, and have similarfunctions. Image forming apparatus 104 of the third embodiment differsfrom image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the first embodimentin that USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 is attached to USB socket 184through a flexible cable 260.

Referring to FIG. 20, flexible cable 260 has a first connector 262 atone end, to which a USB socket is arranged, and a second connector 264at the other end, to which a USB plug is arranged. The USB plug of USBwireless LAN adaptor 190 is connected to the USB socket at the firstconnector 262, and the USB plug of the second connector 264 is connectedto USB socket 184. Both USB socket 184 and the USB socket of the firstconnector 262 are sockets to which a known series A plug (USB plug ofsecond connector 264) is connected. The depth d of recessed portion 200formed at the corner formed by back surface 112 and left side surface114 of apparatus main body 110 is such a depth that substantially thesecond connector 264 is fully accommodated in recessed portion 200 whenthe second connector 264 of flexible cable 260 is attached to USB socket184.

Flexible cable 260 is a known USB cable of 5 mm in diameter and about100 mm to 200 mm in length. Flexible cable 260 has a mesh shield ofmetal, under a resin sheath (cover) formed, for example, of vinyl orpolyethylene. Since flexible cable 260 is relatively short and has themesh shield, it can be kept in a bent shape even when USB wireless LANadaptor 190 is connected thereto. Flexible cable 260 can keep such abent shape as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, not deformed by the weight ofUSB wireless LAN adaptor 190 and the weight of flexible cable 260itself. Flexible cable 260 may be a cable not provided with the meshshield.

As described above, since USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 is connected toUSB socket 184 through flexible cable 260, the possibility that USBwireless LAN adaptor 190 attached to USB socket 184 is erroneouslypulled out or damaged becomes very low. By way of example, assume thatimage forming apparatus 104 is installed with its back surface 112positioned close to a wall. If image forming apparatus 104 is pushed bysome reason (for example, to adjust the position of installation ofimage forming apparatus 104) and USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 shouldtouch the wall, flexible cable 260 absorbs the shock of contact and,therefore, the possibility that USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 or USBsocket 184 is damaged is very low. Since the second connector 264 issubstantially fully accommodated in the recessed portion, thepossibility that the connection portion between USB socket 184 and thesecond connector 264 is damaged is also very low.

Flexible cable 260 maintains the bent shape against weak force (theforce approximately corresponding to the weight of USB wireless LANadaptor 190 and the weight of flexible cable 260 itself), while bentshape of flexible cable 260 can easily be deformed manually. Therefore,the position of USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 can be adjusted in view ofthe situation of the place of installation near back surface 112. Forinstance, the bent shape of flexible cable 260 may be changed so thatUSB wireless LAN adaptor 190 may not contact some object near the backsurface 112. If radio wave condition of wireless communication is badand wireless communication is impossible or communication at aprescribed data transfer rate is impossible, the bent shape of flexiblecable 260 may be changed to adjust the position and orientation of USBwireless LAN adaptor 190. If USB wireless LAN adaptor 194 havingindicator unit 192 for indicating the communicating state such as shownin FIG. 6 is attached, it is possible to change the bent shape offlexible cable 260 to facilitate visual recognition of indicator unit192.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 isattached to USB socket 184 on back surface 112 through flexible cable260, as in the first embodiment, CPU 130 controls USB host controller180 and obtains necessary information (USB descriptor) from USB wirelessLAN adaptor 190. CPU 130 loads a necessary device driver based on theobtained information, so that USB wireless LAN adaptor 190 is set to ausable state. Communication for obtaining prescribed information fromUSB wireless LAN adaptor 190 is executed in accordance with known USBstandard. Thus, image forming apparatus 104 becomes connectable to anetwork through USB wireless LAN adaptor 190.

For image forming apparatus 104 to actually access a network by wirelesscommunication through USB wireless LAN adaptor 190, it is necessary toconnect to a prescribed connection destination (a router, an accesspoint or the like). It is possible for the user (including anadministrator, a service person and the like) to designate theconnection destination by directly inputting an IP address of thedestination through operation unit 160. Alternatively, image formingapparatus 104 may automatically detect connectable destinations anddisplay the detected destinations in the form of a list on operationpanel 162, and the user may select one from the list.

By USB wireless LAN adaptor 190, it becomes possible for image formingapparatus 104 to realize the function of receiving and printing imagedata from an external terminal such as an external PC, the function oftransmitting image data obtained by scanning a document attached to anelectronic mail, and the function of FTP-transferring image data to acomputer server or the like.

Though an example in which USB socket 184 is arranged in recessedportion 200 formed at a corner formed by back surface 112 and sidesurface 114 has been described, it is not limiting. The recessed portionmay be formed on at least one of the left side peripheral edge portionand the right side peripheral edge portion of back surface 112. The“left side peripheral edge portion” of back surface 112 means the cornerformed by back surface 112 and left side surface 114 as well as a backsurface portion near the left side surface 114. The “right sideperipheral edge portion” of back surface 112 means the corner formed byback surface 112 and a right side surface as well as a back surfaceportion near the right side surface. By way of example, USB socket 184may be arranged in a recessed portion 204 formed at the back surfaceportion near left side surface 114, as shown in FIG. 22. In FIG. 22,left side surface 114 forms a sidewall of recessed portion 204.

Though it is preferred that USB socket 184 is positioned in the recessedportion as described above, the recessed portion may not be formed andthe socket may be arranged on a flat portion of back surface 112. Evenin that cast, the effects of flexible cable 260 described above can beattained.

The embodiments as have been described here are mere examples and shouldnot be interpreted as restrictive. The scope of the present invention isdetermined by each of the claims with appropriate consideration of thewritten description of the embodiments and embraces modifications withinthe meaning of, and equivalent to, the languages in the claims

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: anapparatus body; an operation portion which is arranged in a front sideof said apparatus body and receives an input by a user; a first USBsocket which is arranged in the front side of said apparatus body; and asecond USB socket which is arranged in a position on said apparatusbody, diagonally opposite to said first USB socket.
 2. The image formingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first USB socket and saidsecond USB socket are arranged so as to face opposite directions.
 3. Theimage forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first USBsocket is arranged in a lower portion than an upper surface of saidoperation portion.
 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said operation portion includes a touch panel, and said firstUSB socket is arranged in an opposite side to said touch panel in awidth direction of said apparatus body.
 5. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said operation portion includes a touchpanel, and said first USB socket is arranged in the same side as saidtouch panel in a width direction of said apparatus body.
 6. The imageforming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said operation portionincludes a touch panel, and said first USB socket is arranged in a rightside from said touch panel in a width direction of said apparatus body.7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprisingan internal sheet discharging tray onto which a recording sheet formedwith an image is discharged, wherein said first USB socket is arrangedabove an upper surface of said internal sheet discharge tray.
 8. Theimage forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second USBsocket is arranged in a recessed portion formed on said apparatus body.9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said secondUSB socket is arranged in an upper portion of said recessed portion suchthat a longitudinal side thereof is along a vertical direction.
 10. Animage forming apparatus, comprising: an apparatus body; an operationportion which is arranged in a front side of said apparatus body andreceives an input by a user; a first USB socket which is arranged in thefront side of said apparatus body; and a second USB socket which isarranged in a rear side of said apparatus body, wherein said second USBsocket is arranged in a position deviated from said first USB socket ina width direction of said apparatus body and lower than said first USBsocket.
 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, whereinsaid first USB socket and said second USB socket are arranged so as toface opposite directions.
 12. The image forming apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein said first USB socket is arranged in a lower portionthan an upper surface of said operation portion.
 13. The image formingapparatus according to claim 10, wherein said operation portion includesa touch panel, and said first USB socket is arranged in an opposite sideto said touch panel in a width direction of said apparatus body.
 14. Theimage forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said operationportion includes a touch panel, and said first USB socket is arranged inthe same side as said touch panel in a width direction of said apparatusbody.
 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, whereinsaid operation portion includes a touch panel, and said first USB socketis arranged in a right side from said touch panel in a width directionof said apparatus body.
 16. The image forming apparatus according toclaim 10, further comprising an internal sheet discharging tray ontowhich a recording sheet formed with an image is discharged, wherein saidfirst USB socket is arranged above an upper surface of said internalsheet discharge tray.
 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim10, wherein said second USB socket is arranged in a recessed portionformed on said apparatus body.
 18. The image forming apparatus accordingto claim 17, wherein said second USB socket is arranged in an upperportion of said recessed portion such that a longitudinal side thereofis along a vertical direction.